Natalia K
- Research Program Mentor
PhD at Northwestern University
Expertise
Molecular biology, biochemistry and microbiology
Bio
Hello! I earned my Ph.D. in Biological Sciences with a focus in molecular virology. I’m fascinated by how microorganisms—especially viruses—interact with their hosts to cause disease. My research explored the mechanisms of viral protein synthesis during poxvirus infection, using biochemistry and molecular biology techniques to better understand how viruses hijack host cells. When I’m not in the lab or thinking about viruses, I love spending time with my husband and our little “zoo family” — two dogs and a tortoise. I also enjoy relaxing with video games, trying new foods, and finding small ways to unwind after a busy day of science.Project ideas
Understanding host-pathogen interactions
Intracellular pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses, infect the cells of their hosts as part of their lifecycle. To survive and replicate, these pathogens must adapt to the host environment and manipulate cellular processes in their favor. The first critical step occurs when a pathogen binds to the host cell surface—a process that must be precise enough to target the right cell type, yet subtle enough to evade the host’s immune defenses. Once inside, the pathogen must access nutrients, replicate its genetic material, and produce new infectious particles, all while avoiding detection and destruction. Different pathogens use remarkably diverse strategies to achieve these goals, making host-pathogen interactions a fascinating area of study. In this project, you will choose one pathogen—such as influenza virus, SARS-CoV-2, Listeria monocytogenes, or another organism of interest—and investigate how it interacts with its host at the molecular or cellular level. You will write a short scientific review or article explaining how your chosen pathogen enters cells, replicates, and manipulates host defenses. Along the way, you’ll learn how to read and interpret primary scientific literature, identify open questions in current research, and communicate complex biological concepts in clear, engaging language. You may also create diagrams or visual models to illustrate your findings. I will guide you through each step—from selecting a topic to organizing your review and understanding any background biology you may not yet be familiar with.
